ALLIANCE, Ohio — As part of a tour of Stark County higher education institutions on Friday, the University of Mount Union welcomed Randy Gardner, chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

Gardner’s morning began with he and his team having breakfast with local collegiate presidents including, Dr. Dick Merriman, president of Mount Union. 

Once on campus at Mount Union, Gardner met with several members of the University’s leadership team and was given a tour of the campus so that he could become more familiar with the institution. 

Gardner was appointed to his position in January by Governor Mike DeWine following 13 years in the Ohio Senate and a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1985-2000 and again from 2008-2012.